The Ambitious Day Trip to Shirakawago and Gokayama

I knew I had to see the rustic thatched-roof houses of Central Japan when I first saw them on TV years ago. The scenery was wintertime, the snow blanketed traditional houses, and on nighttime, instead of being surrounded by darkness, the entire village is illuminated with bright lights in an event called the Winter Light-up. Alas, I came a few months early and was not able to witness this glorious scenery. However, since I was already visiting Kanazawa and Takayama that sandwiches this remote area, I decided to visit it anyway. Due to budget limitations however, I had to scrap my intention of staying the night at Shirakawago and eventually decided to just do a day trip. Not just to one, not two, but to all three villages!

Time Travel to Old Japan at Hida Takayama

Takayama was one of the places that I was really (really) looking forward to visiting. I mostly wanted to see the Takayama Festival but I knew prior to the trip that it was impossible since the autumn festival is held during October and my flight to Tokyo was on November. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but feel giddy whenever I thought of Takayama, and indeed it fulfilled and even went above my expectations.

Kanazawa Travel Guide

Kanazawa was not on my radar when I booked this trip to Japan, I originally intended to go to Takayama after my stay in Tokyo  and neighboring places like Kamakura, Nikko and Mt. Fuji. I learned about this place when I was researching for budget passes and thought to myself that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see one of Japan’s renowned garden. However after exploring Kanazawa, I think this city has so much more to offer and is surely worth a visit.

Fuji Five Lakes DIY Day Trip: Kawaguchiko and Saiko

When I was jotting down must-see places for my Japan trip, Mt. Fuji garnered the top spot. The next question that I asked myself was if I wanted to do the hike or see the mountain from afar. The hiking trail closes as early as September so going up was impossible. Budget also restrains me to stay longer – autumn is tourist peak season so lodging prices might be a bit steep. Eventually, I just opted for the more practical option, which for me was to do a day trip. My choices were then narrowed down between Hakone, a destination famed for its hot springs with majestic views overlooking Fuji, or Fujigoko, which in English is the Fuji Five Lakes. I didn’t need to think much before deciding that the lakes is where I will spend my sixth day in Japan.

Seeing Kamakura’s Highlights on a Day Trip from Tokyo

Even though I stayed in Tokyo for six days, I only spent half of it in the city and I ventured to towns that Tokyoites frequent when they are eager to get outside the capital. I first went to Nikko famed for its shrines which I failed to fully explore, but on the upside, I was able to soak in some nature-filled scenery. On a busy Sunday, I decided to take the train to Kamakura to do more laid-back sightseeing.

The Not-So-Successful Day Trip to Nikko

I am not that fond of big cities, I dislike being in crowded places and so even though I immensely enjoyed my three-day stay in Tokyo, I still craved the rural scenery. I did three day-trips that were accessible from the city, and first of which was in Nikko, a location known for its UNESCO World Heritage status and amazing natural scenery. As to why this post’s title is an epic fail will be further explained in this post, but as a heads up, this letdown is all thanks to me.

Willer Bus Pass Comprehensive Guide – The Cheaper Alternative to JR Pass

I traveled to Japan with a very extremely super (I don’t know how to emphasize this) limited budget and so prior to the trip, I wanted to know what my options were in terms of saving transportation costs. Most websites and blogs recommend going by train,so it is almost everyone’s instinct to buy train tickets or the JR Pass not minding whether if this is more efficient or cost-effective. My search for cheaper alternatives led me to several bus companies and this money-saving pass called the Willer Bus Pass.

A Unique Tokyo Cultural Experience at Kagurazaka O-edo Street Tour

I realize I haven’t seen festivals as much as I wanted to,especially during some of my longer trips outside the country. For this trip to Japan, I have more than enough time to spare a day or two to attend some local events, and what a perfect timing that on my seven-day stay in Tokyo, there was a small event that I could go to. I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t done some last-minute research before I left the country so it really pays to do a quick google search, don’t you agree?

A Glimpse of Traditional Tokyo at Asakusa and Kagurazaka

There’s definitely more to Tokyo than tall skyscrapers, impressive subways and modern fashion. It’s so easy to be absorbed by all these innovations that one might think it will be difficult to find a slice of traditional Japan in this huge metropolis. Not in Tokyo, though. There are plenty of neighborhoods where you can still observe old traditional sights that most people tend to miss out when they draft their Tokyo itineraries.

Dempoin Street at night

More of Western Tokyo: Shinjuku and Harajuku

I admit I only had my eyes set on the usual spots in Tokyo such as Shibuya that I had no idea there are equally awesome districts that were out of my radar. Even though I used to watch animes when I was younger and have still some exposure to their TV shows, it was not enough to prepare me for the overwhelming feeling of being in this huge metropolis. I also thought I was already battle-tested having previously visited other impressive capitals in East Asia such as Seoul, Beijing and Taipei, but each has their own charm, especially Tokyo.

neon signs in Shinjuku

Reliving my childhood dreams at Odaiba, Shibuya and Central Tokyo

My childhood was formed watching all those Japanese travel shows on IBC Channel 13 (Pinoys would get this) and all the coolest anime TV shows. I have different interests now, but the fascination with Japan never really dialed down. My trip started in Tokyo, a city so diverse and jam-packed that one could spend a week or two, even more, and not still be able to see everything it has to offer. However, I only decided to visit its highlights, most places that the 15-year old me would have wanted to see. This is a way of saying thanks to her being patient and believing that she can make the “impossible” come true.

trying out the ultimate "japan japan" pose the younger me would have done in all if I went years earlier

3 Days (or More) in Tokyo for Frugal First Timers

I used to daydream about Tokyo, especially during my teenage years. I even went as far as announcing to all my classmates that I was going to Japan after graduation. I am true to my word, I made this happen… 10 years after. Back then, my interests were mainly focused on anime shows and gadgets. I enjoyed watching travel shows about Japan, but didn’t really appreciate the deeper roots of its culture. Years have passed and I can say I have matured (a little, yes) especially with my attitude towards traveling. Despite that, the need to see Tokyo didn’t fade one bit, so I finally got myself flight tickets to Japan! I based myself in the capital of the country for six more days, three of those spent seeing the highlights of the big metropolis that is Tokyo.

Getting a Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos as easy as 1-2-3

It used to be difficult to get a Tourist Visa to Japan, I have heard of stories from other travelers who already had plane tickets and land arrangements prepared just to know that their visa application was rejected. However, the Japanese government decided to relax some of its guidelines for Filipino tourists starting late 2014, and thanks to cheaper flight carriers now opening routes to different hubs in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, I thought to myself, “is this finally the time to visit Japan?” First things first, getting the appropriate visa for the trip.